FAQs

Patients with sleep apnea often experience chronic snoring as a symptom. However, just because you snore does not necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. Certain lifestyle factors or your anatomy may cause snoring in some cases. Luckily, oral appliance therapy can be used to treat both sleep apnea and snoring. You can use your oral appliance to keep your airways open at night and reduce snoring. The appliance will position your lower jaw forward so that the tissue does not obstruct your airways at night.

Sleep apnea affects millions of patients of all ages. Although snoring is often an indicator of apnea, not everyone with the disorder snores. Even if you don’t snore, you should get a sleep study if you have nighttime breathing pauses. Our at-home sleep study allows you to track your sleep data at night in the comfort of your home so that it can be analyzed by your doctor later. You will return the device to our practice after using it to collect the data. If we believe that you are experiencing a sleep disorder, we can then discuss potential treatment options.

There is no one specific cause of OSA for our patients. The disorder can occur for many reasons and affects patients of all ages. The following factors may put you at a high risk of developing the disorder:

• Over the age of 40
• Have a large neck
• Have a small jaw
• Have enlarged tonsils or adenoids (especially in children)
• Are overweight — half of OSA patients are overweight
• Are male — the disorder affects more men than women
• Consume alcohol before bed
• Consume sedatives before bed
• Have a deviated septum
• Have sinus or allergy problems

A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a machine that is commonly used to help treat symptoms of sleep apnea. The continuous stream of air is delivered through a mask that you wear at night. Although CPAP is highly effective, unfortunately, it may not be the most comfortable option for all patients. Oral appliances are a popular alternative because they are small, comfortable, and made to fit your smile precisely. The appliance can help keep your airways open at night so you can breathe better.

After starting the oral appliance, you will complete a follow-up sleep study to confirm that the device is effective. We will plan a consultation with your sleep medicine physician to interpret your results.

Insurance plans vary widely. Our team will collaborate with your insurance company to determine the potential coverage under your plan. If your appliance is not covered, we will inform you and create a financial plan if needed. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment for OSA, so the coverage may come from your medical insurance. We believe that treating OSA is worth the investment, as it can help improve your sleep and health.

We offer financing options and will work with you to find a solution that fits your needs.

It may take around 5-10 years to adapt to your oral appliance. You may need to get used to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance should not cause any pain, and adjustments can be made if necessary.

Durable hard acrylic, the material that makes up your oral appliance, requires replacement approximately every 3-5 years. Patients who grind their teeth may need to replace their appliance frequently.

It is possible that your oral appliance may change your bite. Your teeth can potentially shift depending on the position of the teeth and the status of your bone. By employing a morning repositioning device, we might be able to reduce the chance of bite change.

You may experience some side effects when using your appliance. Such symptoms can include muscle soreness, dry mouth, excessive salivation, and minor tooth movements.

It is likely that patients with obstructive sleep apnea will require long-term oral appliance therapy. In some cases, though, you may be able to improve your symptoms.

Over-the-counter appliances, such as boil-and-bite devices, are available for purchase but are not FDA approved. They are also not professionally crafted, so they could potentially lead to unwanted side effects.